Cross Training and Yoga

Time is at an all time premium. It doesn’t matter if you are obsessed with golf or tennis; running or aerobics; polo, dressage or jumping; working out or any other fitness regimen. Given the time pressures of modern life, all we want to do is get on with our passion. With so much on our plates, there’s no time to waste with any other physical activity.

Yet scientific and physiological research shows conclusively that in order to excel at any particular sport, cross training is essential. Why? When you specialize in a physical activity, soft tissue (meaning your muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) “habituates” to its repetitive movement and you develop “muscle memory.” That’s how you learn and that’s how you become physically proficient. It’s also called the “training effect,” yet the training effect is also your favorite sport’s primary liability.

As you become increasingly proficient at your sport; some of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia become strong (and oftentimes over tight) while other soft tissue becomes flexible in their requisite areas. As soft tissue habituates to your specific movements, your body is at increased risk for injury as you push your limits.

That’s where cross training comes in. Unless you cross train, your habituated soft tissue tends to become stressed and is likely to break down causing injury. Cross training isn't just for the lame, the bored or the burned-out. It isn’t just for professional athletes or top amateur competitors. It’s a must for everyone who is dedicated to one sport regardless of age. That's because cross training not only provides a break from the routine, but its affect on soft tissue improves total body fitness and decreases risk of injury.

That’s where yoga comes in. An appropriate yoga practice has a profound affect on virtually all the soft tissue of your body. Most people think that yoga is just about stretching or that it’s just too passive of an activity. Yet most people don’t really know what “yoga” really is. Yoga means union or balance. An appropriate yoga practice is about creating a balance within your body of concurrent strength to flexibility. And a balance of strength to flexibility yields profound endurance.

What I love most about yoga is its inherent “flexibility.” What I mean is to say that an appropriate yoga practice can be done slowly and concisely for people who are out of shape or who have been chronically ill or injured. Yet an appropriate yoga practice can also challenge the most physically conditioned athlete. I know this for a fact as not only do I teach both, but I personally have been on both sides of athleticism and chronic illness and have found yoga to be a fabulous tool for either.

Article by yoga instructor Sam Dworkis, auther of Recovery Yoga and ExTension. Visit his web site at www.extensionyoga.com .

The above article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. A qualified health care professional should be consulted before beginning ExTension or Recovery Yoga, or any exercise program. Read the rest of our disclaimer and terms of use.